Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival Returns

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival 2021

This spring, flavors are in bloom at Busch Gardens with the return of the park’s fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival starting Saturday, February 20!

Guests are invited to take their taste buds on an adventure as they sample more than 110 tasty treats, including 22 NEW dishes.

Serving guests every weekend from February 20 to April 25 with limited capacity, this year’s menu features festival favorites and fresh twists on classic cuisines from around the country that pair perfectly with more than 80 wines, brews, and cocktails.

In addition to the park’s already strict health and safety measures, which include increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, capacity will also be significantly limited to create more open space for guests to maintain physical distancing in a safe environment and enjoy their experience. 

Here are a few of the more than 110 tasty reasons to come back week after week:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival 2021
  • Fresh finds with seasonal flavors: From the NEW five-spice duck lettuce wrapswith Asian pear coleslaw and plum sauce drizzle to meatless options like the Impossible® slider topped with caramelized balsamic onions and crispy jalapeños, there’s something for everyone.
  • Savory bites of BBQ, Tex-Mex and more: Try sharable dishes like slowly smoked beef brisket pub chips and tasty handhelds. All American Eats by Kraft-Heinz offers a new take on American favorites featuring bison sliders with bacon onion jam, vintage cheddar, and Heinz® MAYOCHUP™, and lobster white cheddar KRAFT® Mac N Cheese.
  • Sinfully sweet eats: From NEW Woodford Reserve® bourbon bread pudding, señorita sangria cupcakes, maple bacon cinnamon rolls and more, there’s something to satisfy any sweet tooth.
  • More than 50 wines, beers and seltzers for all tastes: Take a tasting tour of vineyards and breweries from around the state, country and globe without leaving Tampa Bay. Enjoy a curated selection from Benziger Family Vineyards® and Proud Pour Vineyards®; signature brews on tap from Tampa Bay Brewing Company®, Yuengling®, Florida Avenue Brewing Co. ® and Coppertail Brewing Co. ®; hard seltzers from Funky Buddah® and Maine & Vine®.
  • More than 20 refreshing cocktails: It’s easy to find the perfect pairing to complement this year’s festival menu with new hand-crafted mixologist recipes like the Tito’s® Handmade Vodka Smoked Bloody Mary and Falcons Fury Lemon Drop with Milagro® tequila, and Flor De Caña® Rum Hurricanes. Chill out with NEW Cutwater® frozen margarita popsicles or frozen watermelon margaritas.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival 2021

Return to Live Music with Physically-Distant Concerts—Coming Soon to the Festival Field

From nationally recognized bands to local favorites, safely eat to the beat with plenty of open space across the expansive Festival Field. All concerts are included with theme park admission and will take place on select dates in March and April. Concert acts will be announced soon, including upgrade opportunities for premium seating.

For the first course of the Food & Wine Festival, guests can enjoy a taste of local acts at the Coke Canopy stage starting February 20 and running throughout the duration of the festival. Physically distant seating will be available in the open-air pavilion.

Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes

With a Busch Gardens Fun Card, you pay for a day and play all year!* For a limited time, guests who purchase the Busch Gardens Fun Card for $113.99 will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card, plus a bonus single-day ticket to Adventure Island so you can bring a guest for FREE! For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and access great events like the Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights, Christmas Town and more! Offer ends February 14, 2021.

For more park benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!

Enjoy the Best of the Food & Wine Festival with a Sampler Lanyard

The best way for guests to savor and save on their favorite dishes and drinks at this year’s Food & Wine Festival is with a sampler lanyard. Guests can purchase a 5, 10 or 12-item sampler lanyard to use at each festival cabin to explore sample-sized dishes and drink offerings with ease, starting at just $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard.

Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 15-item sampler for the same price as a 12-item sampler to enjoy three FREE samples! Visit buschgardens.com/tampa/events/food-and-wine-festival/ to view the full festival menu.

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Food & Wine Weekends

Running in concurrence with the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort and Waldorf Astoria Orlando, located within the gates of the Walt Disney World Resort, is offering Food & Wine Weekends, now through November 9.

Food & Wine Weekends

This special event takes place Fridays through Sundays and offers a taste of the fabulous restaurants and bars inside the Hilton and Waldorf Astoria. Highlights include samplings and exclusive pairing menus from Bull & Bear, La Luce, Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge and Peacock Alley. I recently had the opportunity to experience the event first hand and found it to be a great way to dine at some of the restaurants that I had not tried before.

Food & Wine Weekends

I began with visiting the lobby kiosk for a Taste of Japan. I sampled three variations of sake, Gekkeikan Zipang Sparkling Sake, Takara Plum Wine and Momokawa Silver. They were all unique in taste and all very good. Paired with the sake was a sampling of a California roll from Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge. It was fresh, tasty, and perfectly chilled. I’m very particular about the temperature of my sushi and this was perfect.

Food & Wine Weekends

Next, I headed into La Luce by Donna Scala to try out the special chef created menu specifically for that night. The menu changes each Friday and Saturday so there’s always something new to try. I started with the Butternut Squash soup which was garnished with a seared Basil leaf. Next up was bruschetta with mozzarella, roasted tomato, and arugula. It was delicious and filling. I still had a little room left so I chose the risotto made with speck, a meat similar to prosciutto, wrapped scallops with wild mushrooms and reggiano. The final course was a divine cannoli made with ricotta and mascarpone cheese, filled with chunks of chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Each course had a recommended wine paired with it, though I chose to slowly sip a glass of Robert Oatley Shiraz throughout my dining experience.

Food & Wine Weekends

I would definitely return to Food & Wine Weekends at the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando. The accommodations are beautiful and very comfortable and the staff is definitely top notch. Visit www.HiltonBonnetCreek.com/Food-Wine and www.WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com/Food-Wine for more informationFollow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2012 – Snack And Sip On This, Skip That

Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2012 – Snack And Sip On This, Skip That

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Every year at Food and Wine festival at Epcot there are a few booths that are either the same as previous years or things that are always available in the parks. While these items are yummy, they can be skipped if you are a on a time crunch while sipping and strolling around the park. I figured I would let you in on a few of these items!

Canada:

Cheddar Cheese Soup: I know people go BANANAS for this soup and it is a top seller but this is both something you can get at Food and Wine, to go service AND table service at Le Cellier any time of the year. The line is ALWAYS super long and usually a bit of a wait.

My Advice: Skip This

Ice Wine: I am a HUGE FAN of Ice Wine. I had it for the first time many years ago at Food and Wine Festival. I make this a priority stop every year! The grapes for Ice Wine are only picked once a year, within a few hours from a special harvest of frozen to the vine grapes! It is a sweet dessert wine that is always such a treat no matter when you drink it!!!

My Advice: Sip on This

Greece:

Assorted Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt Cups: I feel silly putting this on the list but I have to let you know! Seriously, head to Publix and pick your own flavors and enjoy them for breakfast! I am a huge Greek Yogurt fan but, who needs to wait in line and bay 3.00 for yogurt… lol. I would sing a different song if they had fresh made Greek Yogurt however.

My Advice: Skip This

 

Italy

Ravioli di Formaggio All’emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli) : This is always a top seller and there is always a long line to sample this. After Food and Wine 2 years ago, Epcot set up an Italy booth just on the outside of the country where you could purchase this dish year round since it was such a popular and huge hit. This portion for Food and Wine is a bit smaller then the regular season portion so it isn’t really worth the bang for your buck!

My Advice: Skip This

 

Morocco

Kefta Pocket: This is an item that they do sell in Tangerine Cafe but this is a smaller portion at a much smaller price without the sides. The Seasoned beef is always flavorful and it is put in a Pita Pocket! One of my favorite choices for lunch so this is the perfect size if you want to try something new!

My Advice: Snack on This

 

Poland

Kielbasa & Potato Pirogi with Caramelized Onions: My husband and I are HUGE Pirogi fans.. we eat them at least twice a month. I am convinced that the Pirogi that they serve are the same ones we buy at Walmart. They tend to be over boiled and very floppy, served with a small slice of boiled kielbasa, a mickey head squirt of sour cream and a few floppy onions on top. Save your self the time, make them at home!

My Advice: Skip This

 

Singapore

Singapore Sling: This is a concoction of Gin, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Cherry Juice and Soda Water. If you are ready for a strong and sweet beverage then grab this! Our recommendation is to ask for a cup of ice and pour your beverage over the ice to cut down on the strength.

My Advice: Sip On This

 

These are just some of my notes. Please feel free to sip and snack and skip what you want. I am lucky enough to get to go to Food and Wine multiple times each year so I can be a bit picky when ti comes to what I want to spend my money on each year. Please Keep on the look out for some of our Favorites and some of our Not so Favorites in the coming weeks! Make sure you follow us around on Twitter to see what new Favorites we may have!!!

Beth went to the preview of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival yesterday, and here are some of the pictures that she tweeted!

And now here are some Quick Bites to keep in mind as you are going around the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Now these Quick Bites are extremely honest, and we have also included links to our friends over at The Disney Food Blog since they have AMAZING coverage of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival for a different perspective and beautiful pictures!

Argentina

* Beef Empanada – I tried this last year, but didn’t like it.  It was the only thing that I actually threw out.
* Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée – I loved this.  It was one of my favorite   things at the festival.

Australia

* Shrimp on the Barbie with Pepper Berry Citrus Glaze – This is always good, but I’m not sure it is worth the cost.  I would love to try to make it at home.
*Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies – Yum!  I don’t recall the potato crunchies in previous years, but I can’t wait to try them.

Belgium

* Steamed Mussels in Hoegaarden Beer Broth and Baguette – This is a festival favorite.  I’ve always enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
* Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream – So good! People wait in the long lines for this dish alone!
* Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles – Last year this was only 2 truffles per package.  It wasn’t an expensive item and the prices were probably on par with high-end chocolate like Godiva, but I don’t think I’d spend my money on it.
* Hoegaarden – My personal favorite beer in Belgium (though not my favorite of all Belgian beers).
* Leffe Brune – This is a new one beer this year.
* Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Iced Coffee – Always delicious, but a very small serving.

Brewer’s Collection

* Altenmünster Oktoberfest – This is also available in the Germany marketplace and in the WS pavillion.
* Altenmünster Dunkel – This beer was so popular last year that it sold out with more than 2 weeks left in the festival.

Canada
* Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup – This is always a top seller, but I personally don’t care for it.
* Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta and “Minus 8″ Onion Jam – I loved this last year.  Officially, it doesn’t have a pairing, but I would recommend Niege (apple ice wine) with it.

** Neige Bubble – This actually won’t be at the festival because of a tornado at the orchard.** 

Caribbean Islands

* Ropa Vieja with Cilantro Rice – A good dish to try.  I actually preferred it to the one served at Columbia Restaurant in Celebration

Cheese

* Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread – I love cheese, but I didn’t really like this one last year.
* Trio of Artisan Cheeses: Beecher’s Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Goat Brie and Rogue River Creamery Echo Mountain Blue Cheese – These are new cheeses in this selection this year.

*Sterling Vintner’s Collection Meritage – this was only okay.  I don’t think I’d spend the money on it.

Desserts & Champagne
* Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial – served on the rocks

Florida

* Florida Orange Grove Hurricane Class 5, Florida White Sangria – If you like sweeter wines, this is a must try!

France

*  Créme Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait – I always have to have this once!

Germany

* Apple Strudel with Karamel-Vanilla Sauce – this was delicious.  Ask for extra caramel!

* Selbach-Oster Estate Spätlese
* JH Selbach Riesling QbA Red Label – this was good, but I prefer the spatlese

Greece

* Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey – delicious!  I can’t wait to have it again!

Hawaii

* Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise – This was delicious! It is a top seller!

Hops & Barley

* Linda Bean’s® Perfect Maine Lobster Roll® – being a native New Englander, I was skeptical about this dish, but it turns about be delicious.  Save your snack credits for this!
* Pumpkin Mousse with Craisins and Orange Sauce – the spices on this were delicious.  Just like pumpkin pudding.

* Angry Orchard Cider – OMG. This is delicious. I must have more of it!

Ireland

* Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
* Kerrygold® Cheese Selection: Aged-Irish Cheddar, Dubliner and Cashel Blue with Apple Chutney and Brown Bread
* Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey’s Ganache

* All three foods are delicious. I think the cheese plate is one of the best values of the festival.

* Bunratty Potcheene Chilled Irish Coffee – new this year, and I am excited to try it with the lava cake.

Italy

* Ravioli di Formaggio All’emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Beef Bolognese, Parmesan, Mozzarella) – popular, but I don’t really like it.
* Cannoli al Cioccolato (Chocolate-Covered Cannoli filled with Ricotta, Chocolate, Candied Fruit) – drooling just thinking about this!

Mexico

* Crispy Shrimp Taco with Chipotle Lime Mayo and Cabbage Served on a Flour Tortilla – I loved this last year!

Morocco

* Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket) – Good and a great size if you would like to try it without paying full price in Tangerine Cafe.

New Zealand

* Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad – Delicious!  A good sized scallop for the price.

* Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc – This wine really didn’t stick out to me. You may want to skip it…

Poland,
* Kielbasa & Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream – meh.  Go buy Mrs. T’s and Hillshire Farms and make it at home.

Scandinavia

* Rice Pudding with Driscoll’s® Only The Finest Berries™ – good, but I prefer the rice cream inside Kringla Bakery

Singapore

* Beef Rendang with Jasmine Rice – delicious and spicy

* Singapore Sling – get a cup of ice from a counter service location before you order this.  It is very strong!  Pour it over the ice.

South Africa

* Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce – this was delicious! I may try it without the sauce next time.

South Korea
* Bohae Black Raspberry Wine-Bokbunjajoo – if this is the same wine as last year, I’d say skip it.  It tasted like cough medicine.

Terra

** Note that the wines served in Terra are not vegan**

* Paul Dolan Pinot Nior – This is delicious!

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Eat To The Beat Concert Series 2012 at Epcot!!!

It is almost the most WONDERFUL time of the year!!!!!! Nope… Not Christmas….. Surely you must know that I am talking about

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL!!!!!

Anyone who knows my husband and I is well aware that you will find us out and about multiple times a week when it is time for Food and Wine Festival at Epcot! We can not get enough of the food stands and the drinks and the atmosphere! I ask my brother DAILY “Is it almost time for Food & Wine” And every day he responds “I wish”. This year it runs from September 28-November 12,2012. The weather is always cooler, the crowds are lighter and who can pass up 3 and 4 dollar yummy bits all over World Showcase!

Another thing that comes with Food and Wine every year is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

They bring in all sorts of acts from today and yesterday ( Mostly yesterday but that’s ok ). I personally have seen Boyz II Men for the past three years and plan on making this year 4 years in a row! And I know a certain West Virginia Girl that I blog with that will be front and center for Sugar Ray 😉 Ahem Shalon!!!! The artists always put on a fun show rain or shine! People dance and sing along and It is free with park admission!! How can you say no??? This year’s line up includes:

  • 9/28-9/30: Night Ranger
  • 10/1-10/3: Sugar Ray
  • 10/4- 10/7: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
  • 10/8-10/10: Boyz II Men
  • 10/11-10/12: Smash Mouth
  • 10/13-10/14: Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice”
  • 10/15-10/17: Air Supply
  • 10/18-10/19: Gin Blossoms
  • 10/20-10/21: Survivor
  • 10/22-10/23: Hanson
  • 10/24-10/25: The Pointer Sisters
  • 10/26-10/28: Sister Hazel
  • 10/29-10/31: Billy Ocean
  • 11/1-11/2: 38 Special
  • 11/3-11/4: Howard Jones LIVE
  • 11/5-11/6: Blues Traveler
  • 11/7-11/8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX
  • 11/9-11/12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Please stay tuned to our little slice of blog for more information in the coming weeks about Food and Wine Festival! I can not wait to tell you all about the seminars and the cooking classes that are offered and maybe even preview some of the new foods they will have!!!!

And FYI… the count down is 68 Days!!!!!!!

See… that is almost time…. right???

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